Tubular clinchers

[I have the top-of-the-line Tufo model, and they ride pretty nice. I have their sealant installed, just in case...... I think they are very close to tubies in feel, but of course you still have the heavier clincher rim.

VERY TOUGH to install the first time, esp. on Campy Euros wheels (any tire seems to be tough to install on these), but once "stretched" they are easier. They seat nicely and are totally straight on the rim.

Are they worth it? Not to me -- I'm back to running Veloflex Pave tires with light tubes on my Reynolds clincher wheels for everyday use.........they feel as good, but are much less of a pain to install, and I don't have to worry about carrying an entire spare tire.

Forgott to mention -- use alcohol as a lubricant when installing Tufo tubclinchers -- it really helps. A little alcohol (of a different sort) to lubricate your patience also helps.......

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Bititanio
[I have the top-of-the-line Tufo model, and they ride pretty nice. I have their sealant installed, just in case...... I think they are very close to tubies in feel, but of course you still have the heavier clincher rim.

VERY TOUGH to install the first time, esp. on Campy Euros wheels (any tire seems to be tough to install on these), but once "stretched" they are easier. They seat nicely and are totally straight on the rim.

Are they worth it? Not to me -- I'm back to running Veloflex Pave tires with light tubes on my Reynolds clincher wheels for everyday use.........they feel as good, but are much less of a pain to install, and I don't have to worry about carrying an entire spare tire.

Thanks for the comparison to the Pave (Black). Now I have a idea of what I'm not missing. I run the Veloflex tire on almost all of my bikes, and I love it. A great tire, to be sure. What kind of mileage are you getting from the Black (front/rear)? Regards,

I just switched from Vittoris open EXO CX to the Tufo elite for a fast century. Don't know why but I wnated to try them. They were tough to install...would hate to try that on the road! I am wondering what to do when the first flat occurs. Seems a bit silly to buy a light tire and then put 30 ml of sealant weight in it!!
Maybe that's why few people run these!
Anybody actually like them?
John 🙄

ItalianStallion said:

Are they worth it?

How easy are they to get on the wheel?

I'm in experimenting mood......

Makes no sense to me, has the negatives of a tubular with no upside (unless you think 180 psi really makes you faster).

Stick with a top knotch clincher and it will actually have a better ride and be way less hassle.

I tried them once too. They were a nice ride but no better than a decent clincher and the aggro of fitting / changing made them a non starter for the future for me.

Now, if I had a dedicated mechanic and wanted to see them work hard, I might go back to them, but that would be real mean!